Page 84 of Seduced By Moonlight

“Welcome to my territory,” Raven said.

Kayden, Lance, and Mika replied politely.

Raven motioned to a comfortable-looking sitting area with plenty of seating. “With me are Felix March and Lady Annabel. Please, have a seat.”

Once everyone took their seats, Raven looked directly at Ward. “Thank you for your email telling us about the attack on you after you left the meeting, and the one that occurred last night. It is concerning. We, as leaders, may need to deal with these witches. Which may sound highhanded, but we cannot afford for Rihanna to fall back into their hands.”

“I agree. But unlike last time she was at their mercy, Rihanna is not half starved. I wouldn’t say she is at her full power, but she is getting close, I feel. Unfortunately, she is also beginning to show some traits of other paranormals. Thus, our trip here.”

“I’m glad to help. Rihanna may not be a full-blooded vampire, but she has our DNA. Please tell her I would welcome her if she ever needs assistance. Just as I would any other vampire in my territory,” Raven said.

“I’ll tell her. I’m sure it would make her feel less isolated,” Ward said.

“Good. Would you also give her my cell phone number?” Raven asked.

“I will. The more people she has in her corner, the better. And just to be clear, I am not forcibly holding Rihanna. She is free to leave whenever she wants,” Ward said.

“I believe you. Now, about the blood bags that she requires and the request you’ve made to me about our…. disadvantages?” Raven said. “I have no idea how often she will need blood.”

“I don’t think she knows either.”

Raven nodded. “I was afraid of that, and it’s understandable. The blood bags will be fine as long as they’re kept cool. I’ll send several coolers home with you just in case, along with instructions on how to care for and heat them, and also how to place your own order.”

“Thank you. That’s very helpful.”

“I have also contacted my distributor and let him know you are acceptable to sell to,” Raven added, folding his hands in his lap. “Vampires must have blood. Because of this, a way to cripple a coven is to tamper with the supply. Needless to say, I am very selective with whom I give the name of our distributor to.”

“I completely understand. I give you my vow as the king of the San DeLain gargoyles that I will not betray your trust,” Ward said, his voice taking on a ceremonial tone. “Only I will know the name and place the order.”

“I accept.”

The vow shimmered in the air before sparking out.

“Thank you, Ward. Giving you a way to hurt me and mine is not easy. But I’ll also not turn my back on another of my kind. And I consider Rihanna that.”

“Believe me. I understand your hesitancy in exposing a weakness. We gargoyles have our own closely guarded secrets.”

“Speaking of secrets.” Raven reached into his fancy jacket and pulled out two pieces of paper. “One is the distributor and phone number. The other slip of paper is a closely guarded secret.”

Ward raised an eyebrow but didn’t reach for the papers. He sensed that Raven had more to say.

Raven’s eyes flashed red for a split second. “I will not lie, I debated telling you this. In fact, I refuse to even say it out loud, and I would rather you did not either. For my peace of mind, please read what’s on that second paper and return it.”

“If it’s that important, are you sure you want me to—”

“I cannot consciously leave Rihanna susceptible to such a weakness,” Raven said.

“You are a good man,” Ward said as he held his hand out.

“And I would just as soon you do not repeat that either,” Raven joked. “I do have an image to maintain.”

Raven handed the pieces of paper over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE–KAYDEN

KAYDEN DIDN’T know what was on that second piece of paper and he flat-out did noteverwant to know. No thank you.

Being in the room with two such powerful paranormals was stressing him the hell out.

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